Michigan companies to increase job training and hiring through Workforce Development Agency grants(2)

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Workforce Development Agency today announced Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $3,549,938 in Skilled Trades Training Fund program grants to 14 Michigan Works! agencies around the state. The funds will be awarded to Michigan companies for skilled trades training to better match talent with employer needs.

“As Michigan’s economy continues to improve, there is an increasing demand in many businesses for skilled workforce training to meet their growing needs,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “The STTF program will ensure that many Michigan companies will have employees trained for their specific needs and their employees will have access to the training they need for in-demand jobs.”

Announced by Snyder earlier in the year, the Skilled Trades Training Fund program provides competitive awards through Michigan Works! agencies and in cooperation with local partners to fund employer-driven training in high-demand occupations. Participating businesses must commit to hire participants at the successful completion of classroom training, or in cases of on-the-job or incumbent worker training, retain the employees at the completion of training.

Today’s STTF recipients will distribute the funds to 63 Michigan employers across the state, who will use the funds to upskill 2,831 current employees and train 522 new employees, and create up to 580 new jobs as a result of the training. The employers will provide more than $11 million in matching funds (for complete details on winning agencies and employers, see list below). The majority of the training programs are manufacturing related, such as CNC machining, robotics, welding, hydraulics, blueprint reading, and quality improvement.

“The Skilled Trades Training Fund program ensures that Michigan’s employers have access to the talent pipeline they need to compete and grow, and participants have the skills they need for in-demand jobs,” said Workforce Development Agency Director Christine Quinn. “Employers identify key skill sets and recommend the appropriate types of training which allow for the best possible opportunity for business and job growth. This customized training provides career opportunities for workers and growth and expansion for Michigan companies.”

A total of $10 million has been allocated for the Fiscal Year 2014 Skilled Trades Training Fund program. Funds will be awarded on an ongoing basis. To date, more than $5.4 million in STTF funds has been awarded to 97 Michigan companies, with employers providing $33.8 million in matching dollars. The funding has been used to train 8,465 current employees and 659 new hires. Another 710 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the training. For more information on the Skilled Trades Training Fund program, visit the Workforce Development Agency at www.michigan.gov/wda/.

The Workforce Development Agency promotes a flexible, innovative, and effective workforce system within the State of Michigan. The WDA and the Michigan Works! system provide services to employers and job seekers to train and place skilled workers in good jobs across Michigan.